WASHINGTON, Mo. (KMOV.com) – A Washington, Missouri elementary school was closed Thursday after a teacher received a threatening email.

The superintendent of the Washington School District, Dr. Lori VanLeer, said the decision to close the Washington West Elementary School was made after a threatening email was sent to the teacher between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Wednesday night. The email reportedly threatened “harm or worse” to the recipient.

Because the email arrived so late at night, Dr. VanLeer said there was not enough time to conduct a thorough investigation of the school to ensure students and safe would be safe Thursday.